One of our readers asks
Where is a good place to live for allergy sufferers? I thought the desert was a good area, like Victorville, CA? — Chris, California
Response from AllergyNurse:
One of our patients who grew up in New Mexico told me he never had a problem with allergies until he came to Arkansas.
Yet the University of New Mexico Hospital website notes that trees, especially juniper, grasses, and weeds cause problems with allergies even in New Mexico.
Another of our patients who has lived in California, Arizona, Texas, and now Arkansas said she suffered with allergies everywhere, even in the dry climate of Arizona.
The University of Arizona website says in Arizona “maximum pollen counts are lower than in most other regions in the USA,” and that in some circumstances mold and dust mites are less as well.
But there’s a flip side. Here in Arkansas, our patients are currently looking forward to a hard freeze that will greatly diminish pollen problems, though dust mite and mold allergies continue throughout the winter.
In warmer, drier climates, like Arizona, the pollen season also lasts year round.
Tucson, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas report high levels of air pollution also. Pollutants can make allergies worse.
A reader from Iran wrote asking about problems with grass pollen in that area. Scientists say no country or area is free from allergy problems.
The University of Arizona puts it well: “…there really is no safe haven for the allergy sufferer.”
[The link for the University of Arizona quote may have been removed, I couldn't find it on their website anymore. (If you find it, post a comment here.) However they have lots of excellent info about allergies in Arizona and the Southwest. Start with:
Moving to the Southwest for Health Reasons?
[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on 1-22-03]
I moved to new mexico from conneticut 16 years ago. For the past 10 years I have suffered from allergies every day. I wake up and start coughing for about an hour and sometimes cough during the day especially at the computer. I am an oil painter and have to be careful what I use in that department. What can I do?
For Jean Jack: The most important thing is, you need to see a doctor if you have a chronic cough. Only your doctor can determine if it is related to allergies or something more serious.
As far as climate, an allergist in your area will be able to test for pollens and other things that are likely to cause allergies in your area, and advise accordingly.
I have lived in the Midwest(Kansas City, MO) all my life. About a year ago I moved to Phoenix, Arizona where I suddenly have been allergy ridden off and on. I’d say about every 2 months.
Recently over the 4th of July I went to Southern California (Orange, CA) for a 4 day vacation. I get back to Phoenix and my allergies go crazy.
And it seems that throughout time the medicines that had worked in the past no longer have any effect on me. It’s as if my body gets immune to them after using them in the past for relief.
Medicine’s include, Sudafed which working wonderfully the first time I used it and then never relieved me of the symptoms again. I’ve been through the same with Benadryl and now Claritin. Any ideas?
Similar story – lived in St. Louis, Mo all my life and never noticed allergies at all. Now I am living in Albuquerque and just can’t stop sneezing. I sometimes have full blown allergy attacks, complete with swollen eyes, throat, and rash. It is awful – any idea what I could be allergic to out here?
I live in New Mexico and cough constantly. Allergies cause me to have an asthma cough (spasmodic) and it racks my body exhausting me. I have had to have breathing treatments because I would be so sick. One day I turned off the swamp cooler and got better. The cough is due to allergies. So, I can understand what jean jack is talking about.
I grew up in Southern California and in 2006 moved to New Mexico. My mom looked like she was constantly crying, but it was allergies. My allergy problem came about differently. I began suffering from Anaphylaxis – my entire face would swell, my eyes almost swelling shut, my chin felt numb, but really, the area underneath my tongue was swelling, etc. I have to go to the hospital to be treated and that is not a fun time. I went to an Allergy doctor which to me, seemed like a waste of time and money. Apparently, I am allergic to everything. My allergies are not just weeds, trees, pollen, etc., I’ve also become allergic to medications. Out of no where I have developed allergies to all pain relievers except Tylenol. Recently I began to itch all over, the same thing happened last year during the same month. I develop welts on my back from scratching so often. Not sure what more I can do, I feel like when I use allergy medication I’m drugged like a zombie. I’m at a loss.